Unit-2a: Polymers: Lecture 2
Unit-2a: Polymers: Lecture 2
Unit-2a
Classification of Polymers
secondary
bonding
• Linear polymers have monomeric units joined end to end in single chains. There may
be extensive van der Waals and hydrogen bonding between the chains. Examples:
polyethylene, PVC, nylon.
• In branched polymers, side-branch chains are connected to main chains. HDPE – high
density polyethylene is primarily a linear polymer with minor branching, while LDPE
– low density polyethylene contains numerous short chain branches. Greater chain
linearity and chain length tend to increase the melting point and improve the physical
and mechanical properties of the polymer due to greater crystallinity.
• In cross-linked polymers, adjacent linear chains are joined to one another at various
positions by covalent bonding of atoms. Examples are the rubber elastic materials.
• Small molecules that form 3 or more active covalent bonds create structures called
network polymers. Examples are the epoxies and polyurethanes.
Statistical Copolymers Also called random copolymers. Here the monomeric units are
distributed randomly, and sometimes unevenly, in the polymer
chain: ~ABBAAABAABBBABAABA~.
Alternating Copolymers Here the monomeric units are distributed in a regular alternating
fashion, with nearly equimolar amounts of each in the
chain: ~ABABABABABABABAB~.
Graft Copolymers As the name suggests, side chains of a given monomer are attached to
the main chain of the second
monomer: ~AAAAAAA(BBBBBBB~)AAAAAAA(BBBB~)AAA~.
3. Based on Origin:
Synthetic organic polymers
Biopolymers (proteins, polypeptides, polynucleotide, polysaccharides, natural rubber)
Semi-synthetic polymers (chemically modified synthetic polymers)
Inorganic polymers (siloxanes, silanes, phosphazenes)
4. Based on Tacticity:
Polymers with regular substituents on the polymer chain possess a property known
as tacticity. Tacticity results from the different ways in which the substituents can be
arranged on the polymer backbone.
When the substituents are arranged in an irregular, random fashion, the polymer
is atactic (literally, no arrangement).
When the substituents are all on the same side of the chain, the polymer is
isotactic (literally, the same arrangement).
If the substituents alternate regularly from one side of the chain to the other, the polymer
is syndiotactic.
Atactic
polypropylen
e
Syndiotactic
polystyrene
Isotactic
poly(vinyl
chloride)
Elastomers: These are rubber like solids with elastic properties. the polymer chains are
held together by the weakest intermolecular forces. E.g. Buna-S, Buna-N, Neoprene,
etc.
Fibres: Fibres are the thread forming solids which possess high tensile strength and
high modulus. These characteristics can be attributed to the strong intermolecular forces
like hydrogen bonding. E.g. Polyamides (nylon 6,6), Polyesters(terylene), etc.
Thermoplastic polymers: These polymers possess intermolecular forces of attraction
intermediate between elastomers and fibres. E.g. Polythene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl,
etc.
Thermosetting polymers: These polymers are cross-linked or heavily branched
molecules, which on heating undergo extensive cross-linking in molds and again
become infusible. These cannot be reused. E.g. Urea- Formaldehyde resins, Bakelite,
etc.
non-stick surfaces
Polytetrafluoroethylene tetrafluoroethylene resistant, smooth
–(CF2-CF2)n– electrical
(PTFE, Teflon) CF2=CF2 solid
insulation
Poly(methyl
lighting covers,
methacrylate) –[CH2- methyl methacrylate hard, transparent
signs
(PMMA, Lucite, C(CH3)CO2CH3]n– CH2=C(CH3)CO2CH3 solid
skylights
Plexiglas)
5. Example: Example: